Monday’s college football national championship between No. 1 Michigan and No. 2 Washington has no shortage of intrigue.
The Huskies’ superior aerial attack versus the Wolverines’ elite pass rush. The Big Ten’s pariah de jour against a Washington team joining the conference next season. The final Pac-12 football game and the final collegiate game for Michael Penix Jr. after a career filled with adversity.
And that’s before we even get into the uncertain future for Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The Wolverines opened as 4.5-point favorites and have held steady there since. So who has the edge? Our staff gives their final pick of the season below.
No. 1 Michigan vs. No. 2 Washington
Opening Line: Michigan -4.5
Schuster: Michigan -4.5
I don’t know if anyone on our staff has faded Michigan more than I have this season. I didn’t trust their schedule. I didn’t trust their coaching staff without Harbaugh. I didn’t think J.J. McCarthy was a Heisman-caliber quarterback. But as much as I want to fade Michigan again, I can’t in this matchup. It’s not just that running back Dillon Johnson — the perfect compliment to Penix’s passing game — is still banged up after the Sugar Bowl, it’s Michigan’s defense that won me over. Even if the Huskies’ offensive line is able to stop the Wolverines from breaking through, Michigan’s cornerbacks are just as dangerous. I expect this to be a low-scoring game that throws off Washington’s rhythm and Big Ten football wins the day.
Scalici: Washington +4.5
Michigan found a way to pull it out in a sloppy Rose Bowl but Washington’s offense is a different story. If the Wolverines fall behind, they aren’t built to keep pace with this incredible Husky attack.
D’Andrea: Washington +4.5
The Huskies keep thriving when no one believes in them. This isn’t a TCU situation, either.
Martinelli: Washington +4.5
This matchup is everything fans could want for a national championship game, and it’s going to be good. It’s going to be close, especially as Michigan’s powerful pass-rush tries to break through Washington’s stealth offensive line and get to Michael Penix Jr. Michigan might have a hard time playing catch-up if the Huskies score early and often, but that Wolverines defense probably won’t let that happen. I think Michigan wins, but not by more than a field goal.
Nettuno: Washington +4.5
I’m picking Michigan to win this game outright, and covering this spread wouldn’t take much, but I expect a tight game. I think Michigan’s defensive front will cause enough problems to win the game, but Washington will score enough to keep it competitive until the end.
Darney: Washington +4.5
I am very uncomfortable with most of my coworkers also picking the Huskies, only because I feel like that guarantees a Michigan win. I love this Washington team. They’re likable, they have Penix Jr. throwing rockets to (in my opinion) the best wideout in the country, and their mascot is an adorable dog. I love it. They’re chaotic and fun…exactly the opposite of Michigan.
Northam: Washington +4.5
Not to belittle the accomplishments of this Michigan team, but they nearly just lost to an Alabama team that was hampered by bad-snapping and poor play-calling all day long, the same Alabama team that nearly lost to Auburn. Has Michigan faced an offense as good as Washington’s all year? Have they faced a quarterback as good as Michael Penix Jr.? I’m not sure the Wolverines have.
